HC Deb 07 June 1984 vol 61 c214W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will draw up a definition, for use in prisons, of the management of prisoners who appear to be mentally disturbed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

Inmates who suffer from some form of degree of mental disturbance do not form a single homogeneous group and I doubt that a single definition of this kind would be practicable or desirable. The medical care of inmates is the responsibility of the medical officer concerned, who is in the best position to judge how to meet their particular needs.